Just the Way It Had to Be

Just the Way It Had to Be is a live album by American jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson featuring performances recorded at Shelly's Manne-Hole in 1969 for the Impulse! label.

Reception
The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 3 stars stating "the music is quite likable, melodic and swinging (particularly for 1969)".

Track listing

 * All compositions by Milt Jackson except as indicated


 * 1) "Listen, Here" (Eddie Harris) – 8:30
 * 2) "S.K.J." – 5:36
 * 3) "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)" (Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley) – 6:53
 * 4) "If I Were a Bell" (Frank Loesser) – 6:01
 * 5) "The Very Thought of You" (Ray Noble) – 8:02
 * 6) "Bags' Groove" – 6:50
 * Recorded at Shelly's Manne-Hole in Hollywood, California on August 1 & 2, 1969

Personnel

 * Milt Jackson – vibes
 * Teddy Edwards – tenor saxophone
 * Monty Alexander – piano
 * Ray Brown – bass
 * Dick Berk – drums